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There are six issues on the ballot – more than any other election in
the past 30 years! Five of the six ballot issues would amend the state
constitution if approved. Following is a brief summary of the six ballot
issues:

Proposal 12-1: A
referendum on PA 4 of 2011 also known as the Emergency Manager Law
This
referendum is asking residents to support or reject Public Act 4 (PA 4) which allows
State-appointed officials to assess the financial conditions of local
government units and school districts. A “yes” vote would allow PA 4 to remain
in effect. PA 4 authorizes the state to enter into a local government-approved
consent decree or permit the Governor to appoint an emergency manager (EM) upon
finding a financial emergency. This allows the EM to act in place of the local
government officials. The EM can develop financial and operating plans, which
may include modification or termination of contracts, reorganization of
government and determination of expenditures, services and use of assets until
the emergency is resolved.

Proposal 12-2: A
proposal to amend the State Constitution regarding collective bargaining
This
proposal would provide the constitutional right to organize and bargain
collectively through labor unions for both public and private employees. It
would nullify existing or future laws that limit the ability to join unions and
bargain collectively and to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining
agreements. It defines “employer” as any person or entity that employs one or more
people. This proposal also prohibits laws that conflict with collective
bargaining agreements relating to hours and /or conditions of employment.

Proposal 12-3: A
proposal to amend the constitution to establish a standard for renewable energy
This
proposal would require a minimum of 25 percent of annual retail electric sales
be from renewable energy sources (i.e., wind, solar, biomass or hydropower) by
2025. It limits any annual rate increase to a maximum of one percent annually
and this increase must be to achieve renewable energy compliance. Annual
extension of the 25 percent goal may be granted to prevent increases of more
one percent. The proposal requires the legislature to enact legislation to
encourage the use of Michigan equipment sources and employment of Michigan
residents.

Proposal 12-4: A
proposal to amend the state constitution to establish the Michigan Quality Home
Care Council and provide collective bargaining for in-home care workers
This
proposal would allow collective bargaining of in-home care workers with the Michigan
Quality Home Care Council and would require setting of minimum compensation
standards and terms and conditions of employment. It stipulates the patient’s
right to hire non-referred care workers who are bargaining members. It would
require the council to provide training for workers, create a registry of
workers who pass background checks and provide financial services to patients
for in-home care cost management.

Proposal 12-5: A
proposal to amend the State Constitution to limit the enactment of new taxes by
State government
This
proposal would require a 2/3 majority vote in both the State House and Senate,
or a statewide vote in a November election, to enact any new or additional
taxes on residents or expand the tax base or increase the rate. This proposal
does not limit or modify other tax limitations in the constitution.

Proposal 12-6: A
proposal to amend the State Constitution regarding the construction of
international bridges and tunnels
This
proposal would require a majority of voters in a statewide election and in each
municipality where bridges or tunnels will be located to approve any
expenditure of state funds or resources. These expenses include acquiring land,
soliciting bids, designing, constructing, financing or promoting new
international bridges or tunnels. “New international bridges or tunnels for
motor vehicles” would be defined as any bridge or tunnel that is not open and
serving the public by January 1, 2012.

April 24, 2017 | Terry Gibb | Water is essential for all facets of life from drinking to manufacturing. Better understanding and protection of this resource is necessary to insure the quality of our water resources for today and the future.